Muellema

I’d love to visit the Solomon Islands again, but it’s a very remote destination for Germans. Getting there from Germany involves a lot of effort, time, and money. However, my wife and I are planning a trip to the region for next year. We’re getting on in years, and before it becomes too late for diving, we’re currently thinking about a combined diving trip across the Pacific/South Seas area, perhaps French Polynesia, Fiji, Tonga, and Australia ...... all in one go. We’d include the Solomon Islands too, if possible. We’ll see; planning has only just begun. We first need to figure out where to base ourselves in the region to ensure the best access to the various locations. Best regards, Markus

Hi, any compatibility with DXo PhotoLab? Br Markus

Agree, fantastic news and a great humanitarian story. I haven't been on the Bilikiki, but I backpacked through the Solomon Islands in 1992 and did some diving there as well. It was very basic, and I traveled between the islands on local supply boats. Most remote islands had no jetty, so the supply boat just stopped near the beach in front of the villages and the passengers and most of supply entered/left the boat by local wooden canoes. Barrels with fuel -mostly used for oil lamps- were thrown overboard, and the locals rolled the barrels to the shore while swimming. Very limited medical support at that time only at the so called "provincial capitals". Nothing on the remote islands, and most of the locals had no opportunities to travel. Imagine the supply situation and medical care in the remote areas still remain very limited. I think the idea being implemented here is brilliant and worthy of support. Markus

Hi, where exactly do you want to go in the Philippines? Just Cebu? Moalboal and Malapascua are the main spots for diving there. However, there are virtually no super-luxury resorts in those areas. I would not recommend the west road on Malapascua. Lot`s of long strechted villages and most of the time no way to overtake very slow trucks. East road is quicker, but you must path Cebu city which can be very painful depending on daytime or weekday (from my opinion sunday is the best travel day). You could combine Cebu with Dauin (Negros), though; it’s a very short ferry ride away. Diving in Dauin is primarily macro-focused, but operators run day trips to Apo, where you’ll find corals and turtles. There are few good resorts in Dauin if that’s a priority for you, If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and beach resorts, Boracay is the place to go— but busy with beach party, banana boats......though the diving is... well, let's just say it's not the main draw. Bohol/Panglao offers some good dive sites and excellent resorts, but the diving there is incredibly busy—mostly with Korean divers, as there are now direct charter flights from Korea. I’ve attached a photo of Alona Beach taken before 7 a.m. so you can get an idea of how many people jump into the water later in the day. I counted arround +/- 500 Cylinders walking Alona early morning. On Bohol, I’d actually recommend Anda instead; it’s quieter,beaches are nice and the diving is decent. Just quick info. Let me know if you need any more info. I Best regards, Markus.

Hi I’ve dived Malapascua several times—the first time in 2005, and most recently this past March. The island and the diving scene have changed significantly. There’s a lot of partying, noise, and casual "fun divers," etc. The teashers are now mainly found at Kimud; there are hardly any left at Monad Shoal. However, it’s a bit of a circus there—basically a GoPro party with well-dressed female mostly chinese divers using their regulators to blow bubbles for photos with shark. The macro life Malapascua is okay these days, though it was much better in previous years. Be aware that Malapascua is currently very busy; we saw over 25 boats (approx 300-400 divers) at Kimud in March, and it’s not a large dive site. Gato Island also sees a lot of divers. Please keep in mind that you’ll be traveling in November, which is the rainy or shoulder season. This can mean strong winds, rain and poor underwater visibility. We experienced very poor visibility even during the peak season in March. You can find mandarin fish at a site called Lighthouse—there are two or three spots there, finding depending on your dive guide. It’s a very popular location, so it tends to be crowded. I can’t really help you with Moalboal these days. I was there in 1999, which is a bit too long ago to offer any up-to-date advice. Travelling from Moalboal to Malapascua is easy in 1/2 to 1 day depending on time of the day and weekday. Br Markus Markus

Hi. A few years ago, I replaced the port glass on my Hugyfot macro port. It’s absolutely no problem if you have a little bit of technical know-how. Though removing the existing glass was a bit tough. If I recall correctly, the cost for the glass and O-ring was around €20-25. I think it’s a bit more expensive these days. Plus of course Nauticam bonus+++++.😁😁😁 Br Markus

Hi, If individuell boycotting will not work tell me your solution. I myself do not want to support this current corrupt system. Br Markus

Hi, I’ve been diving in Mexico several times. Most recently, last October, I dove Cenotes and Baja for 5 weeks. Lucky last year not get ripped off at border in Cancun for my UW rig. I was planning to go again this October. CANCELLED............. no more bucks for Mexico from my side Br Markus

Hi, I do not know the size of your F-stop backpack. But if you do not extend size for international carry on luggage (55 x 40 x 23 cm) it should not be a problem. May be some discussions on check-in. If they refuse, let them know about the value and the fragility. This usually works. Br Markus

Hi, I flew the same route (Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa and Fakarava) with Air Tahiti, though it was a few years ago. Even back then, the limit for hand luggage was 5 kg. I had two Lowepro camera backpacks. You simply have to pay excess baggage fees. At check-in, you just need to explain or show that it is camera equipment. Back then, you were allowed to take it onto the plane as hand luggage. Since it wouldn't fit in the overhead bins, it was stowed at the back of the cabin and handed back to you when you disembarked. Do not know current situation. But this is how my equipment was handled in other countries travelling with small planes over the last years. Br Markus

Hi, I hope for the best for you. Weather is always a issue in SA. Dived SA/Mozambique for several times. Always a lot of wind/waves/swells. Maybe you are lucky to get some great shots. Br Markus

Hi, no problem. I’ve replaced the batteries in my Solas units before, though it was a while ago. I couldn't remember the polarity, so I double-checked it. Best regards, Markus

Hi, Toki 10-17mm is a good choice. I used it for many years with my Nikon D300 but sold it when I changed to FF. I know SA Sardine run and Mexico Sardine run are different. But also last year in Mexico we did all trips snorkeling. Once the hunt starts most of the time the Bait moves often very fast. So go jump in the water, go back into the boat....... many times per day. So no good idea to gear up diving equipment. To swim after the bait...... good luck😜. May be if you are lucky and find static baits. From my experience most of the time where there is action there is fast movement. Here two examle photos. First action bait, second with static bait (no hunters). First shot is about 17 years ago with the Nikon D300. Not a good shot. Water was boiling/murky and really hard to get some halfway sharp shots. Anyway just to give you an idea what could happen. Have fun in SA (if you have time do some diving at Protea). Great shark diving over there. Br Markus

Hi, have two Sola 2000 and checked charger polarity just now with multimeter.1 = plus, 3 = minus. Pin 2 is is only to prevent plugging in the wrong way round. Had the same problem with defect charger a couple years ago and found third party one at ebay. This charger is still working fine. Will try to find out which one I had bought back then. Br Markus

Hi, hard to say. Always a lucky punch. I shoot FF and mostly Nikkor 16-35 and Nikkor 08-15 with Kenko1.4 in these situations, like baits or big group of fish. I balanced my my rig positive on Sardine run in Mexico last year. Worked fine for me. I think it is not a big difference handling a slightly bigger rig in this situations. (I am 64 years old and not Arnie Schwarzenegger). But this is my point ot view. Different minds different thoughts. Br Markus